Drivers convicted of photographing accident

In a first case of its kind in Luxembourg, five drivers have been found guilty in court on Tuesday of slowing down or stopping on the A1 motorway to film and photograph an accident that took place in the opposite direction.

The incident dates back to the afternoon on 4 October 2016 following a collision between three trucks. The accident was filmed and photographed by several drivers travelling in the opposite direction. Some even stopped their vehicle to capture the scene.

The drivers also caused a considerable traffic jam as a consiquence of their actions.

The court ordered the five accused to each pay a fine of €250 and their driving licences were seized with suspended sentences.

What does the law say?

According to the Luxembourg highway code, taking photographs, and therefore using a mobile phone without a hands-free device, while driving is subject to a €150 fine and a two-point driving licence deduction. As the case reached court, the sanctions were heftier.

For a sixth defendant, who was not present at the trial - in addition to the fine of € 250 - the court decided that their driving licence should be seized for a three-month period.

A seventh person, accused in the case for the same reasons, was unable to be judged at the same trial, according to the court, and now faces a separate hearing.